Diseases That Gives You Superpowers

CIPA is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NTRK1 gene, which disrupts the development and function of nerve cells responsible for transmitting pain, temperature, and some autonomic signals. People with CIPA cannot feel physical pain or temperature and cannot sweat, making them vulnerable to overheating. While they experience frequent injuries without realizing it, leading to complications like infections and joint damage, their ability to feel touch and pressure remains intact.

A rare condition where people with developmental differences display extraordinary abilities in specific areas like memory, mathematics, art, music, or spatial skills, far surpassing average capabilities. The condition arises from atypical brain development or neural reorganization, where certain brain areas compensate for deficits in others. These 'islands of genius' highlight the brain's remarkable potential for specialized abilities even in the presence of broader challenges.

Mutations in the MSTN gene reduce or eliminate the production of myostatin, a protein that normally limits muscle growth. Without this regulatory protein, affected individuals develop significantly increased muscle mass and strength from birth or early childhood, without additional exercise or training. Unlike many genetic disorders, this condition typically doesn't cause negative health effects, allowing people to lead normal lives with superhuman strength.

Caused by mutations in the DLX3 gene, TDO syndrome affects the development of hair, teeth, and bones. People with TDO have distinctive features such as curly hair at birth, enamel hypoplasia making teeth prone to cavities, and increased bone density, particularly in the skull. The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and typically doesn't reduce life expectancy, though it presents challenges with dental and cosmetic concerns.

Also known as Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, this extremely rare condition allows individuals to recall an extraordinary number of personal life experiences in vivid detail, often dating back to childhood. People with this syndrome can remember specific dates, events, and minor daily details with remarkable accuracy. Brain imaging shows differences in memory-related structures like the hippocampus and caudate nucleus.

A rare genetic mutation that causes a person to be born with more than the usual limbs. While most cases involve deformed or non-functional extra limbs, rare cases like Deepak Paswan in India show completely functional additional arms and legs. However, the extra limbs often move randomly and aren't fully under conscious control, presenting unique challenges alongside the additional capabilities.

An extremely rare and disabling genetic disorder caused by mutations in the ACVR1 gene, where soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments gradually turn into bone, creating a 'second skeleton.' Beginning in childhood, flare-ups triggered by injuries, injections, or viral illnesses lead to progressive ossification and severely restricted movement as joints become locked in place.

This condition gives affected people pointed teeth, pale skin, and they're usually very thin with eyes outlined with dark circles and often no hair. People with this syndrome lack sweat glands that can keep their internal temperature stable when it gets hotter, requiring constant temperature monitoring and staying away from the sun. Famous actor Michael Berryman has this disorder.

A condition characterized by an early and intense ability to read far beyond what is expected for their age, often starting before age five without formal teaching. Despite advanced reading skills, children with hyperlexia may struggle with comprehension, abstract thinking, and social communication. It's frequently associated with autism spectrum disorder, though not all children with hyperlexia are autistic.